The University Professors are awarded $2,000 and the opportunity to teach a class of their own creation during the next academic year. Their names will also appear on a permanent commemorative plaque on the wall outside of University College in Chubb Hall, along with the 200 previously recognized professors since the award’s founding in 1970.

All undergraduate students receive an e-mail in the fall encouraging them to nominate their favorite professor for the University Professor Award. Nominations are narrowed down, and the University Professor Selection Committee, consisting exclusively of undergraduate students, interviews the finalists and chooses recipients.

For professors, the award is a gratifying recognition of the work they put in day after day.

“As a teacher, I strive to impact my students’ lives every day. There is nothing more meaningful than knowing that impact has been noticed,” said Annabi, who teaches in the Management Information Systems Department in the College of Business.

Since joining the College of Business in August 2007, Annabi has been involved in the start-up of the Select Leadership Development Program, Women in Information Systems and the college's Honors Program.

Girton is an associate professor in the School of Visual Communication. During his time at Ohio University, Girton has designed and launched several interactive multimedia courses and two international study abroad programs. He has also collaborated on special projects with the School of Interior Architecture and the School of Media Arts and Studies, which resulted in a display of student work in the Chicago Art Institute.

Rack, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, advises OHIO’s “Rack Research Group,” which focuses on the preparation and examination of molecular photochromic and electrochromic compounds.

About the selection process he said, “The University Professor Award and the selection process are humbling. I was both excited and anxious about meeting with students that were so dedicated and enthusiastic about meeting and talking with a professor about teaching and learning.”

Vander Ven is an associate professor of sociology and director of criminology. Before coming to Athens, he worked as a background investigator for the United States Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C.